Ex-soldier jailed for tampering with wife's parachute
Emile Cilliers has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years after being found guilty of attempting to murder his wife Victoria.
It's after he tampered with her parachute.
On Thursday 24 May at Winchester Crown Court, a jury convicted Cilliers of two charges of attempted murder and one of criminal damage with intent to endanger life after he tampered with a gas valve at their family home and then his wife's parachute, causing it to fail during a jump. Fortunately Victoria made a miraculous recovery.
Det Insp Paul Franklin said: "We welcome today's sentencing, which brings to an end of a very long and detailed investigation.
"From the outset, Emile Cilliers showed no remorse for what he had done; he lied all the way through two trials but in the end justice won out with the guilty verdicts and now a long prison sentence.
"Emile Cilliers is dangerous; he's a cold, callous, selfish man who cares only about money and his sexual conquests. Today's sentencing means that society is a little safer with him locked away.
"I also hope this result means that there can now be some closure for his wife Victoria and her family, who were victims in this.
"Wiltshire Police is dedicated in bringing offenders like Cilliers to justice as well as giving help to those who find themselves in subtle abusive and coercive relationships - like the one highlighted here.
"Often, the abuse is not obvious because there may be no physical tell tale signs or injuries. "However, a victim suffering emotional and financial abuse, as in this case, can be just as deeply traumatised.
"If you find yourself in that situation please seek help - there are many people who are there for you."
Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire and Swindon's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Today's sentencing is very much welcomed and rightly reflects the seriousness of this man's appalling actions.
"Victims in coercive relationships, as well as those in domestic abuse situations, can be assured that as a Force we will listen, will act and the courts will recognise the devastating impact these types of crimes have when sentencing.
"A dangerous man is now unable to harm any more people as a result of the hard work and dedication by Wiltshire Police officers on a challenging and complex operation."
PICTURE: Wiltshire police
Published: by Radio NewsHub